CLEVELAND — Before we get to some of your questions, here are a few key points about the COVID-19 vaccine for you:
Scams
You've heard about the vaccine scams, but I want you to know, no one will ever ask you to pay for your vaccine. If you've registered and someone calls to confirm your appointment and they ask you for payment or bank information, hang up immediately.
When you arrive at your appointment you may be asked for your insurance card, but NO one will ever ask you to pay a dime. These vaccines are free from the government, there are no co-pays.
Phone assistance is available
All week I’ve been telling seniors who don’t have computer access to call United Way’s 2-1-1 HelpLink for vaccine guidance. On Friday, the United Way of Greater Cleveland announced that Cuyahoga County is funding 15 additional operators to help answer vaccine questions, discuss eligibility and help with registration. Starting this Monday, they'll be working five days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and can help navigate this confusing vaccine process.
Also, both University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic have phone numbers for those over 80 without computer access to call to get help registering for an appointment. Some of you have told me that UH scheduled your vaccine at their Shaker Heights facility. Right now that’s the only location, but they are planning on adding more and we’ll let you know when and where. But for those who do not have computer access, you can use one of these numbers"
- Cleveland Clinic: 216-444-2538
- University Hospitals: 216-767-8986
One last note...
Many of you have seen mass vaccinations in other states and are wondering why that isn’t happening here. Each state devised its own vaccination plan and Governor DeWine chose to do it with local providers to make sure neighborhoods of need have access. Also some other states are vaccinating everyone 65 and up, unlike Ohio that is staggering age groups and requiring appointments. When we get more vaccine available things might change, but right now that’s how it’s being done, at least here.
Now, to your questions...
Question: After getting the COVID vaccine, will I test positive for COVID on a viral test?
On a viral test, like a PCR test, the answer is No you won’t. However, the goal of the vaccine is to boost your immune response to the virus so the CDC says there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Researchers are trying to figure out how the vaccines may impact those types of tests.
Question: Do people who’ve already had COVID and recovered still need to get vaccinated?
Absolutely, but you may have to wait a bit longer. We do know that people develop antibodies after COVID infection, but they also wear off and you can be re-infected. The CDC recommends vaccination, but with limited supply, it may take a while. For those with recent infection, you can get your vaccine after your symptoms are gone and your quarantine is over. However, if you’ve received a monoclonal antibody treatment for your infection, you’ll need to wait 90 days before vaccine.
The other good news that came out Friday is that the CDC says patients can wait up to six weeks to get their second dose of either vaccine. Instead of three to four weeks.
More COVID-19 vaccine Q & A with Monica Robins: